Businesses urged to enter 2025 SADC quality awards

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development, through its Department of Quality, Metrology and Technical Regulation, has called on all businesses in Lesotho to participate in the 2025 SADC Quality Awards.

This appeal was made by the ministry’s director of standards, Molebatsi Rabolinyane, during a media sensitisation workshop held this week to raise awareness about the importance of quality excellence in business operations.

Rabolinyane pointed out that economic growth is not possible without a strong focus on quality.

“Quality promotes investor confidence and enhances export readiness,” he said.

He further noted that the ministry has long been dedicated to fostering economic growth, industrial development, and consumer confidence.

According to Rabolinyane, a robust and effective quality infrastructure is crucial for driving innovation, productivity, and market success.

“It is in this spirit that we launch the Quality Award Competition — a prestigious programme designed to recognise and reward organisations that exemplify outstanding quality management practices,” he stated.

Rabolinyane said that quality is the foundation of sustainable economic growth and a key differentiator for competitive businesses. By committing to quality, businesses can increase their credibility, boost customer satisfaction, and create lasting value for stakeholders.

“Our vision is to see businesses across various sectors embrace best quality practices that align with international standards, ensuring that our local industries can compete favourably on the global stage,” he added.

Speaking at the same event, Mosito Kanono, the technical inspector and national accreditation focal point in the Department of Quality, Metrology and Technical Regulation, pointed out that quality affects everyone involved in the production of goods and provision of services.

Kanono outlined several benefits for Small medium enterprises that adopt quality practices such as customer satisfaction which ensures products meet customer needs, increasing loyalty.

He also said there is market competitiveness which helps SMEs stand out in a crowded market.

“Costs will be reduced, thereby minimising defects, waste, and rework, boosting profitability.

There is a benefit of alignment with industry standards and legal requirements due to the regulatory compliance

“Quality also enhances reputation, opening doors to new markets and funding opportunities,” Kanono said.

The SADC Quality Awards, established in 2009 by the SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade, aim to encourage both public and private sector entities across the region to implement and comply with international standards in their daily operations.

The awards recognise and celebrate organisations and individuals who contribute to the advancement of quality in the region. This includes the implementation of measurement and quality systems, procedures, and processes aligned with local, regional, and international standards, thereby supporting national and regional economic development.

The awards have two phases: national and regional.

National Awards culminate into the regional SADC Quality Awards competition where national winners from all SADC countries, including Lesotho, automatically proceed to the regional competition.

The awards procedure was approved by the SADC Committee of the Ministers of Trade in 2008.

In the event of non-availability of suitable applications as per assessment criteria, the award will not be given.